The View from the Bridge, Richard Wild FRIN MNI

Joint meeting with the RIN.

Daytime Meeting on board SB Melissa at RHYC Marina, Woolverstone.

Refreshments 10:00, Talk 10:30, Bar open 12:00, Lunch at 12:30

Numbers restricted, booking essential.

Richard Wild is a Senior Pilot and an Examining Pilot with Harwich Haven Authority. He is authorised to pilot ships to Felixstowe, Ipswich, Harwich and Mistley. His duties may involve taking a small coaster up to Mistley or Ipswich or a modern cruise ship to Parkstone Quay. Richard is one of a small group of Pilots familiar with the handling of the largest container ships currently in existence and which regularly visit Felixstowe Docks. He will start with a overview of the history, status and role of the Pilot, including the penalties for meted out in the past on Pilots for any errors they made. This will be followed by an insight into the manoeuvring and handling characteristics of ultra large vessels, use of tugs and what the Pilot can see from the bridge of a large ship. Topics such as stopping distances, turning circles, modern bridge manning and what can concern the Pilot will be discussed. Some examples of what a yacht looks like from the bridge will be shown.

Bookings for the meetings at the RHYC, Woolverstone should be made with the RHYC Office, either by phone (01473 780319) with credit/debit card details, email office.manager@royalharwich.co.uk or the Booking Form at the end of the latest Newsletter.